Rating our list 2020 Buku Khamis 24

[Hotdog60]

Polling continues to evaluate each player on our list starting with the highest number Lin Jong down to Matthew Suckling.
The poll will run for a week and when your post in the poll if you can give a reason on your thoughts so we can share your insights.
At the end we'll see how our list looks in the eyes of WOOF members.

[Hotdog60]

A few stats:
Age : 20
Height: 189cm
Weight: 82Kg
Games: 0

Buku Khamis became the Club's first Next Generation Academy recruit, added to the Club's playing list as a pre-selected rookie in November 2018. A relatively late bloomer in a football sense, Khamis, a refugee from South Sudan, moved to Australia in 2006 with his family and took up AFL in his last year of primary school. He is a product of the Dogs’ Next Generation Academy, and was a participant in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Ready SETTLE Go program. The athletic defender has the ability to take on the game with his impressive running ability, and possesses clean skills. He is a strong intercept mark and reads the flight of the ball well. Khamis represented Vic Metro and was awarded All-Australian selection in 2018. In his first season at the Kennel, Khamis made 18 VFL appearances for the Footscray Bulldogs, however did not breakthrough for an AFL debut.
LINK (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/players/1959/buku-khamis)

[bornadog]

No idea with this one HD60. Saw him do a couple of nice things at VFL level last year, but that is it.

[Hotdog60]

Yeah, it was going to hard without the VFL this year so I went with more time as the small samples I've seen looks like potential but that is all it is small samples.
Our VFL watchers may have more insight if he's worth the wait.

[Vred]

Was pretty decent at VFL level - I remember an interview with Dale Morris last year, he rated Buku's skills highly.

[josie]

My recollection of vfl Buku looked ok and had a bit of a leap and a bit of dash without screaming pick me. So difficult when lads have not had vfl only scratch matches to grab attention of MC.

My recollection too is he plays in backline as a rebounding defender type and would compete with JJ, Wood, Dureya, Suckling etc - a part of ground we are flush with players. Makes it hard to break into side unless Buku is being groomed for multiple roles.

[Ozza]

Buku was always going to take some time to find his feet at the level. From what I understand, one of the areas he has been challenged on has been to increase his urgency and intensity. Along with this, if he can capitalise more on his great physical attributes he may get there. He may be one of these players where a couple of really good performances is the fuel for some real self belief that gives him the push forward.

Kicks the ball really well. Has to get it in his hands more often.

Needs more time.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I voted to give more time (1 year) if he cant get a game now with the way Bevo hands out first games he is in strife. the only reason I would give him another year is the fact that some Woofers have pumped him up and with the lack of VFL I would like to see him at least playing VFL to make an informed decision

[Hotdog60]

Buku’s big break

Emerging defender Buku Khamis had already played a game of footy on Monday when he got the call up for the Western Bulldogs’ AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne.

https://resources.westernbulldogs.com.au/photo-resources/2021/03/10/5e222ce3-2dd5-4e01-a158-d41d74b86cdc/HERO_100321_Buku.jpg?width=952&height=592

Emerging defender Buku Khamis had already played a game of footy on Monday when he got the call up for the Western Bulldogs’ AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne.

The 20-year-old had been named on an extended bench for the pre-season match.

But he’d also made an important contribution across three quarters in the VFL side’s 105-point win against Casey Demons.

With Laitham Vandermeer (hip) and Aaron Naughton (arm) both injured in the opening half, Khamis got his opportunity.

The third-year Bulldog didn’t look out of place.

“I played a bit of VFL and then a half at AFL level, so it was quite an experience but it was really fun,” Khamis said.

“At half-time, Brent Prismall actually told me to put my gear on and then Chris Maple gave me the word that I’d be playing and I should warm up.

“That’s how it started.”

Khamis slotted into a key defensive post for the second half, as regular full back Alex Keath was swung forward.

He finished the night with six disposals and four marks.

“Just playing in front of a crowd – I haven’t played in front of a crowd like that, ever,” Khamis said.

“Getting a taste at AFL level was really pleasing and running out with the boys.

“I was coming in with an open mind that I might end up playing at AFL level. I was trying not to switch off mentally, just in case I was needed.

“For me, (the focus was) just backing my ability, communicating with my teammates and then when I get the chance in the air to spoil and mark.”

LINK (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/877486/buku-s-big-break)

[comrade]

Good on him, he’s got plenty to work with. And he’s only 20, so young.

Glad we’ve given him another year. He should end up a good option for the mid size role that Wood/Crozier have both played.

[hujsh]

He looks good but would like to see his spoils get a bit more distance away from the contest. It felt like while he did a good job of getting a fist to the ball Melbourne were in a good position to capitalise on the spoil.

Plenty to work with though and encouraging signs for him.

[Axe Man]

He looks good but would like to see his spoils get a bit more distance away from the contest. It felt like while he did a good job of getting a fist to the ball Melbourne were in a good position to capitalise on the spoil.

Plenty to work with though and encouraging signs for him.

I distinctly remember one contest where he punched it a good 15-20 metres to towards the boundary, it was a fantastically timed and directed spoil.

[1eyedog]

Amazing vertical leap but isn't overly quick for his size. Still only 20 I think he needs another year or two. He has good attributes but still not sold on his positioning and defensive capabilities. That may come with more time.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I watched him closely and thought he showed plenty, especially considering he came in after already having played a game that day and mid-way through it. Also didn't have the likes of Keath/Wood to guide him.

Despite this, I thought he showed a great ability to defend the high ball. He moves well in the phone box and has nice agility and his skill by foot is evident.

I do wish he had that extra step of pace but Monday was a really encouraging start.

[Smads57]

I was rapt for Buku having seen him play in the earlier game. Although raw, I see him as offering far more than L Young albeit he still has some way to go. A fave VFL player and maybe one day AFL player......

[bornadog]

Khamis to debut against Blues (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/928816/khamis-to-debut-against-blues)




https://resources.westernbulldogs.com.au/photo-resources/2021/05/06/34bc406b-9194-4979-b7c0-c400e1ee1b86/HERO_060521_buku.jpg?width=952&height=592

Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis will make his AFL debut against Carlton on Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old will get his chance in his third season on the Bulldogs’ list.

It marks the next step in his already incredible journey.
Khamis – a refugee from South Sudan who spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya – came to Australia in 2006 with his family.

A latecomer to Australian Rules football, he started playing the game in his last year of primary school and was involved with the Bulldogs long before being added to the AFL list.
Khamis was part of the WB Community Foundation’s Ready Settle Go program and was the club’s first recruit from its Next Generation Academy.

The athletic defender’s football skills have been developed in Melbourne’s western suburbs, firstly with the St Albans Football Club before coming through the Western Jets’ NAB League program.

He has been one of Footscray’s standout performers in the opening three weeks of the 2021 VFL season.
Khamis has averaged 17.7 disposals and 10 marks per game this year, with his foot skills, ability to take the game on and his intercept ability all features of his play.

He will become the Bulldogs’ fourth AFL debutant this year - following in the footsteps of Anthony Scott, Lachie McNeil and Jordon Sweet.

[Mofra]

Is Bevo crying in the Bulldogs website video?
Sounds like Buks was close to being delisted last year

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Is Bevo crying in the Bulldogs website video?
Sounds like Buks was close to being delisted last year

I was just about to ask the same thing.

[comrade]

Bevo is definitely choked up in the video, pretty on trend for him. He’s gotten emotional at pressers before.

Reckon it’s been a tough week 7 days for Bevo and we saw a bit of the pressure valve release.

[bornadog]

Is Bevo crying in the Bulldogs website video?
Sounds like Buks was close to being delisted last year

I honestly think Bevo is fantastic how he cares about his players.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0rVP03VkAcS1Gz?format=jpg&name=large

[The Pie Man]

It’s got to be so rewarding to see someone come from so far back get to this point, with everything they’ve invested in him.

Met Buku very briefly at the 2020 intraclub just before lockdown and he seemed like the sweetest dude.

[hujsh]

From what I heard he had a lot to deal with in his personal life, which is probably true for most people who come here as refugees. Fantastic to see how he has thrived this year

[Grantysghost]

What a brilliant story of perseverance, and a real credit to the talent pathways for kids in the west who may not have the means to get out on centre stage.

Can't wait to see him play in the big time.

[GVGjr]

Dale Morris will be very pleased, great news for Khamis

[AshMac]

Great news. Good luck son

[FrediKanoute]

Another ex-St.Albans boy. Been a while since we have had one in the side